Friday, November 14, 2025
Hi All!
Sunday, November 16 – Twenty-Third Sunday in Pentecost
- Sunday school at 9:00 a.m.
- Confirmation class at 9:00 a.m.
- Worship at 10:15 a.m.
- Sin/regret/misgivings/sorrows burning after worship. My chimnea will be set up outside to aid in this process. Give all of this to God to begin the new church year and rid yourself of regrets/pain/sadness to face the new year and Jesus’ birth with freshness.
Thanks to Our Veterans
- This week we thank all veterans who have served and continue by loving our country.
- May peace be with those who mourn the loss of those who served.
Seeking Property Committee Chairperson
We are still seeking someone to serve as Chair of the Property Committee. After nearly ten years of dedicated service, Beth Massa will be stepping down from this role at the end of December. We are deeply grateful for her faithful leadership and the care she has shown for our church building and grounds. This is an important and meaningful role in the life of our church. If you feel called to serve or would like more information, please contact Beth or Pastor Lori.
Available
- Does anyone want to borrow a roaster from our kitchen for holiday cooking?? We have several! You could cook your turkey in the garage or basement and save your oven for the side dishes! Let me know and we can chat about it. We have experienced cooks who could coach you about using a roaster!
Have You Heard Of…
- The Kindness Project? They are an agency which lends help to families who are fostering children. They are having an OPEN HOUSE this weekend. Stop in on Thursday Nov. 13 or Friday Nov. 14 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to check out their new location: 4752 Mill Road. There is a form to register online for your visit.
- They have an Amazon wish list to help fill the needs and wishes of the children and families they serve. Please consider supporting them!
- They could also use support to cover the cost of the experiences some children asked for in lieu of tangible gifts. Check out the campaign 2025 Holiday Experience Fundraiser on Givebutter!
- The Sheeprock Trek? This is an annual event that happens on Thanksgiving morning. This year it will be held Nov. 27 and will leave promptly at 5:45 a.m. from the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department, 31 S. Walnut Street, Macungie. Boy Scout Troop 71 (Macungie) will light the way up the Macungie Mountain where there will be a brief Thanksgiving sunrise (yes, you will watch the sun rise over the mountain) service. Hikers (it is a steep hike but the Boy Scouts prepare the trail with rope guides and clearing of leaves and debris) should be prepared with flashlights, gloves, blankets to sit on, and hiking boots. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Fire Department starting at 5:45 a.m. For more information call: 610-965-0372 Macungie Historical Society, coordinators of the event.
Other News
- The Bazaar and Basket Raffle was a great success. Stay tuned for income amounts and the charities that have been selected to receive our gifts. Thanks to all for the hard work and support.
- Our sister church in Macungie, Solomon’s UCC, lifts up their pastor who has retired after many years of serving churches all around this area. Please keep Rev. Frank Schaffer in your prayers as he learns to be retired and enjoy this phase of his life.
- If you wish to send money to help those in need in Jamaica after the effects of the Hurricane, you can gladly make your check to the church, get it to us, we will forward it through the National Office of the United Church of Christ and 100% of your funds will go to help those in need. Thanks in advance for caring.
- We would like to invite all of our siblings in Christ to participate in a Combined Choir and Friends Concert to celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. in our sanctuary. Dates for rehearsals are Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Zionsville UCC Sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to join to sing. We are looking for instrument solos, storytellers, and snacks to share at the reception. Any questions, please contact me.
- Keep those nativity photo appointments coming! Angela Stahler is setting up appointments to photograph your Nativity set so we can show them during worship in Advent. Contact me for more information or reach out to Angela directly.
- Looking ahead: Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. this year. The earlier service will be a little shorter for those who can’t sit so long and those who don’t like to drive at night and will include candles, carols, and communion. The later service will be more traditional with choir as well as candles and carols. O come all ye faithful!
- We are still collecting all kinds of batteries and printer or ink cartridges to recycle at Staples. To date we have raised over $200 toward Staples purchases. I have small boxes at the front and ramp doors for your “contributions.” Or you can put bags of batteries outside of my office. Thanks! Keep them coming. You are an awesome support of this interesting way to recycle and get credit at Staples for future purchases.
As always, we hold in prayer many of our members and friends who are walking through difficult seasons—facing grief, illness, loneliness, changes in living situations, and other challenges that weigh heavily on the heart. We also remember our brothers and sisters around the world who continue to recover from the devastation of war, oppression, and natural disasters.
At the same time, we give thanks for the many joys among us—birthdays and anniversaries, the gift of new life, healing and remission from illness, and countless other blessings that remind us of God’s goodness.
Peace to all,
Lori Esslinger
Part Time Pastor, Old Zionsville UCC
call or text: 610-393-3522
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